The return of Treasury Minister Chloe Smith to TV news studios will have gladdened the writers of BBC2’s The Thick of It, which returns for a fourth series next month. The Norwich North Tory MP was wheeled out this week to explain the latest grim public borrowing figures. She just about managed. But her appearances have assumed a Thick-of-It quality to make any fan of spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) salivate.

If all these sporting goings-on have given you the fitness bug, make sure you’re properly kitted out. But forget the posh trainers and 25 pairs of running shorts — the most important part of any woman’s workout wardrobe is a decent sports bra. Here are our five medal winners, for comfort, support and style.

Whatever will her Her Majesty think. Marks & Spencer have certainly thought outside the box with their idea to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee by coming up with a collection of 1950s inspired lingerie.

Should you fancy a break from all the high-energy Christmas cheer around at the moment, may I suggest you wander round your local high-street lingerie chain. Boy, is it depressing. Lined with images of partially clad glamour models in Santa hats, and packed, to the rafters, with the sort of underwear no woman I've ever met would choose to wear, the shops stand as a telling reminder that when it comes to lingerie, our chains aren't just a little perplexed - they're baffled.

Dame Edna Everage seems ideally suited to a role in pantomime, so it's surprising that this is her first foray into this beloved form of theatre. She's a regal, often delightful presence in what is otherwise a rather messy version of Dick Whittington.